2026 World Cup: I Won’t Play Again — Di María Rejects Calls to Rejoin Messi, Ronaldo
Argentina legend Ángel Di María has confirmed he will not be lining up alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at this year’s World Cup, signalling a definitive close to his international journey, PulseNets learned.
The 37-year-old winger has been a central figure in Argentina’s golden era, sharing some of the most defining moments in the national team’s recent history with longtime teammate and close friend, Messi.
Speaking in an interview with AS, comments obtained by PulseNets show Di María reflecting calmly on his future and expressing deep satisfaction with what he has already achieved in the game.
The veteran forward admitted that while the desire to compete at the highest level still exists, he understands that his chapter with the national team has effectively come to an end, having fulfilled every major ambition he set for himself.
According to what he told PulseNets, Di María revealed that his original plan was to bow out of international football after the 2022 World Cup, but internal persuasion saw him extend his stay until the 2024 Copa América.
“It’s not that I don’t want to continue, it’s simply that I feel my cycle is complete. I achieved everything I dreamed of, a new generation is coming through, and I believe this is the right moment to take a step back,” Di María said.
He further explained that his final decision was emotionally sealed after Argentina’s recent continental success.
“After the World Cup in Qatar, my mind was already made up. The group convinced me to stay on for the last Copa América, and it ended in the most beautiful way possible — lifting the trophy. It felt like my moment to close the book. Now it belongs to others,” he added.
Angel Di María’s legacy with the Argentina national team is firmly cemented. PulseNets reported that the former Real Madrid star won silverware in every major tournament he featured in for his country.
His international honours began with Olympic gold at the Beijing 2008 Games alongside Messi, followed by the long-awaited Copa América triumph in 2021. He went on to lift the Finalissima in 2022 before playing a decisive role in Argentina’s historic World Cup victory later that year. In 2024, he added yet another Copa América title to his decorated résumé.
Also Read: Transfer: Two players to join EPL clubs today as Di Maria agrees deal with Juventus
Now approaching the twilight of his playing career, the former Manchester United attacker has declined opportunities to reunite with other veteran stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and Luka Modrić on the World Cup stage this year.
PulseNets learnt that Di María has chosen to remain in Argentina, maintaining the quiet post-retirement lifestyle he has embraced since stepping away from professional football in 2024.
